minecrafthttp://www.maximumpc.com/taxonomy/term/14318/
enThe 22 Best Co-op PC Gameshttp://www.maximumpc.com/22_best_co_op_games_2015
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u166440/evolve_003.jpg" alt="Evolve" title="Evolve" width="200" height="126" style="float: right;" />The couple that slays together, stays together</h3>
<p>With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we thought we would look at some of the best PC co-op games out there. And hey, if you're single, there's no better way to stem the fear of dying alone than by playing games with some friends!</p>
<p>The list is in alphabetical order but we decided not to include games from genres such as MMOs and MOBAs. We wanted to focus on IPs that can be played not only with a small amount of friends, but with your significant other without causing too much frustration. To that end, we chose a selection of games with a broad range regarding difficulty and genres.</p>
<p>So light the candles, open up a bottle of Bond Estates Melbury Red wine from Napa (so long as you are 21 years and older), heat up some hot pockets, and treat your significant other to a fun evening. Or just order a six pack and pizza while playing with friends.</p>
<p>What? We heard that red wine pairs perfectly with hot pockets.</p>
<p>So what are some of your favorite co-op games? Tell us in the comment section below!</p>
<p><em>Follow Sean on&nbsp;<a title="SeanDKnight Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/+SeanKnightD?rel=author" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Google+</span></a>, <a title="SeanDKnight's Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/SeanDKnight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Twitter</span></a>, and <a title="SeanDKnight Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/seandknight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Facebook</span></a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/22_best_co_op_games_2015#comments22 best co op gamesbest co op gamesborderlands 2BroforceCastle CrashersDark Souls 2dayzdiablo 3Divinity Original SinDon’t Starve Togetherdungeon defendersevolveGauntletleft 4 dead 2Lego Marvel Super HeroesminecraftMonacoorcs must die! 2Payday 2Portal 2Sid Meier’s Civilization VSpeedRunnerTorchlight 2Trine 2GamingFri, 13 Feb 2015 19:51:24 +0000Sean D Knight29416 at http://www.maximumpc.comMicrosoft’s HoloLens Has the Potential to Be Transformativehttp://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft%E2%80%99s_hololens_has_potential_be_transformative2015
<!--paging_filter--><h3>We tried Microsoft's augmented reality demo and couldn’t stop smiling</h3>
<p>Many suspected that Microsoft would toss its hat into the virtual reality headset game. After all, Oculus VR was successful enough with its Kickstarter campaign that Facebook ended up purchasing it for $two billion, and longtime console rival Sony jumped into the fray not long ago with its Project Morpheus. While Microsoft did reveal its own head-mounted display, the HoloLens isn’t competing in the VR space, but is instead paving new paths for augmented realities. We got a chance to try it ourselves and you’re probably wondering, “Is it any good?” Simply put, if it's executed correctly, it has the potential to be transformative.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/microsoft_hololens_rgb.png" alt="hololens" title="hololens" width="620" height="349" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A prototype sample of Microsoft's Hololens headset.</strong></p>
<p>How does an AR headset differ from a VR headset? Whereas VR headsets try to take you into a virtual world completely, Microsoft’s augmented reality HoloLens is happy to keep you in reality. It instead opts to inject virtual holograms into your own real-life world (think the Princess Leah hologram and you pretty much get the idea). “This is your world with holograms,” Microsoft said of the device at its Windows 10 keynote. Unlike the fictitious technology in Star Wars, however, here you have to wear a headset. The HoloLens has a see-through visor, and augmented reality objects are beamed into a rectangle in front of you. The rectangle isn’t all-encompassing, however. You’ll still be able to see around the rectangle. The visual box is akin to you sitting in the middle of a movie theater, in that you can see more than just the screen. Technically, you can also see through this rectangle, considering it’s a see-through glass-like material, but we must say that Microsoft has done an incredible job making the area behind the rectangle disappear. We had to stick up a hand in front of our face to make sure that we could still see through it, and even then it was hard not to focus on the augmented reality visuals right in front of us.</p>
<p>While our developer kit unit was wired and featured a chest mount tethered to a janky-looking headset (so janky that Microsoft wouldn’t let us take pictures of it), the company says that the consumer version of the HoloLens will be completely wireless and will not require a separate device, like a smartphone or computer. Nor will it require markers or have an external camera, even though it supports positional head-tracking. Instead, it will run Windows 10 itself and has its own dedicated CPU, GPU, and a new holographic processing unit (HPU) that processes all of these sensors together in real time. Another little dev-kit quirk is that Microsoft had to measure the distance between our eyes to properly configure the headset to our needs. The company says this will be handled automatically with the consumer release.</p>
<p>The headset also has integrated speakers that provide spatial sound and a built-in mic that will allow you to issue voice commands. In addition, Hololens has an integrated depth sensor, supports stereoscopic 3D, and can track your finger gestures (provided they are in your line of sight). Activating a command is as easy as holding your right fist one foot away from your chest (with your knuckles facing you), lifting your index finger up to the ceiling, and flicking up and down with said finger. Slightly weirder was that you don’t control the headset’s cursor with your finger; instead, the cursor is always fixated in the middle of your vision, so you essentially use your eyes to point at objects. It took us about five minutes to get the hang of it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/microsoft_hololens_family_room_rgb.jpg" alt="minecraft ar" title="minecraft ar" width="620" height="413" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Minecraft-inspired demo looked nearly as good as this picture depicts.</strong></p>
<p>At the Windows 10 event, Microsoft showed off four HoloLens demos. The first one we tried was called HoloBuilder. It’s essentially a Minecraft-inspired augmented reality demo. We were situated in a living room with the headset on, and when we looked around, the various desks and coffee tables had virtual 3D buildings and structures situated on top of them. The blending of the real and virtual was seamless and truly impressive. It never felt like the augmented reality objects were inappropriately floating in space, or didn’t have a sense of presence to them. It felt like all the Minecraft castles and farmlands were actually there (albeit in virtual miniature LEGO form). We couldn’t help but shout out expletives at how unbelievable it felt at times; we were blown away. One of the picture frames in the room featured a cavern and it really felt like we could stick our arm into the cave. The 3D depth here is amazing. Another experience had us looking at a short table on the floor. On top of the table were blocks of TNT that we could look at and explode with our activate finger gesture. When we blew up the box of dynamite, we saw the virtual earth open up to reveal magma underneath the floor. This might sound like hyperbole, but it looked so incredibly convincing that we had to step on it ourselves to make sure it wasn’t actually there.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The next demo we attended had Microsoft representatives showing off the HoloLens’s HoloStudio tool. Microsoft believes that this program will bring about a “new medium for artistic expression and creation.” HoloStudio is the company’s tool that will allow you to use Hololens to easily create 3D augmented reality objects, using simple hand gestures and voice commands. From here, you’ll be able to get these objects 3D printed. Microsoft says HoloStudio represents a “perfect print preview for 3D printing.” This tool essentially blends the physical and digital worlds. We saw a live demo of a Microsoft employee building a virtual toy koala in under two minutes. The toy looked impressive, but perhaps more impressive is that, according to Microsoft, the employee didn’t have any 3D modeling experience prior to prepping for the demo. He also showed us a 3D model of an X-Wing that looked accurate to the Star Wars incarnation. According to the rep, it only took him about an hour and a half to build it. The company says it wants to make building 3D objects easy for beginners; you won’t have to be a professional 3D artist to construct interesting designs. In the live HoloStudio live demo, the Microsoft rep was able to pull objects out from a virtual toolbox and copy/reorient them with simple tap/voice commands. The software looks promising, but unfortunately Microsoft couldn’t tell us if it would be bundled for free with the purchase of HoloLens.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/dsc02559.jpg" alt="koala" title="koala" width="620" height="349" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&nbsp;Here is a 3D printed figure of what the virtual koala looked like.</strong></p>
<p>The following demo took us to space—Mars, specifically. Microsoft has been working with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs to recreate a 3D rendering of Mars using Curiosity's images. While our physical body was located in an office in Bellevue, Washington, it felt like we were walking on the red planet. When we asked if any of the landscape were computer rendered, the Microsoft rep told us that all the imagery was actually from Mars, and that it was the closest man has ever come to walking on the planet. Suffice it to say our jaws hit the floor. It looked entirely realistic. Never did it feel flat or like images were being stitched together. We actually felt like we were on Mars (at least as best as a see-through augmented related lens can deliver). Microsoft also set up a tour guide in a different room to show us around the alien planet. Our tour guide was golden (picture the Silver Surfer, except gold). This is but one humanoid prototype Microsoft said it was working on. It had Superman-like laser beams pointing out of its eyes (minus the laser sound effects) that would point us in the direction of interesting objects spread throughout the desert terrain. By focusing in on objects, we could use the flick command to zoom in on surfaces. Again, the headset features positional head tracking, so we were able to get on our knees and closely observe the rocks underneath our feet. It was a surreal experience and we could definitely see NASA using this headset for more research.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/microsoft_hololens_skype_rgb.jpg" alt="skype hololens" title="skype hololens" width="620" height="423" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Who knew Skype could be so informative?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;The final demo we took part in had us interfacing with a real human being over Skype. While that might sound less exciting than the other demos, it was actually pretty cool. The person on the other end of the line was going to help us repair a broken electric wall socket. Our Skype helper could see what we were seeing (as a function of the HoloLens), and she walked us through all the steps to fix the socket, connecting wires and all. We had a funny moment during this demo when she asked us to look down at the tools. We did what we were asked and looked at the virtual tools below her video feed. But she asked us to look down at the tools again, and we realized she meant the physical hammers and such on the desk beside us. It’s sort of crazy how the physical and digital are already becoming hard to distinguish in AR. Once we got that squared away, we pinned her video feed to the side of the wall socket (so that it wouldn’t float in the middle of our vision and obstruct our view of it). From there, she was able to give us very clear and precise instructions on how to fix the issue. It worked about as well as someone giving you instructions over the shoulder in real life. </p>
<p>It’s extremely exciting to see examples of what AR will allow people to do. Obviously, helping someone fix an electrical socket over Skype is one of them, but you’ll also be able to get cooking lessons from your mom or learn how to fix a car from your dad, and so on. Virtual classes with one-on-one instruction seems like a natural next step. We see a lot of potential here in the professional world, too. It could potentially aid doctors in the ER or help soldiers avoid potential land mines in the field. Then, yes, of course, game opportunities abound. You could potentially do some unique eye-spy or hide-and-seek type games around your house or blast aliens as they start coming in from your kitchen. Microsoft says gaming will be a big component of HoloLens, but it will be up to the developers to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AR games. In addition, as we also saw with the Mars demo, virtual tourism could be a big thing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/microsoft_hololens_mixedworld_rgb.jpg" alt="mixed world" title="mixed world" width="620" height="413" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>If pulled off correctly, HoloLens could be transformative.</strong></p>
<p>Of course, virtual tourism may be better suited for VR experiences, where you are completely visually isolated from the outside world, and some people were bothered by the fact that you could see through and around the lens. It didn’t bother us, however. It was actually hard to stop smiling at points.</p>
<p>When asked, Microsoft was coy about the technical aspects of the device. When we asked the HoloLens’s resolution, the answer was merely “HD.” In theory, this means 720p and up. Regardless, from our experiential test, we didn’t have any major issues with the resolution and thought it looked quite sharp for a developer kit. Of course, we’ll take higher resolution any day of the week, but the resolution that Microsoft is currently running seems ready for consumer release.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/microsoft_hololens_pivotpoint_rgb.jpg" alt="pivot" title="pivot" width="620" height="413" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>HoloLens could open up 3D modeling for beginners.</strong></p>
<p>When will it be released? Microsoft says during the Windows 10 launch timeframe. As Microsoft aims to release Windows 10 sometime this year, you shouldn't have to wait too long to try it yourself.&nbsp;</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft%E2%80%99s_hololens_has_potential_be_transformative2015#commentsaraugmented realityheadsetHololensholostudiomicrosoftminecraftvrwindows 10NewsFeaturesThu, 22 Jan 2015 18:07:04 +0000Jimmy Thang29299 at http://www.maximumpc.comMojang Announces Minecraft: Story Mode from Telltale Gameshttp://www.maximumpc.com/mojang_announces_minecraft_story_mode_telltale_games_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u166440/minecraft_mojang.jpg" alt="Minecraft" title="Minecraft" width="200" height="153" style="float: right;" />A Minecraft game with a story?</h3>
<p>The acquisition of <a title="Minecraft Beginner's Guide" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_beginners_guide_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Minecraft</span></a> developer Mojang by Microsoft for <a title="Microsoft buys Minecraft" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_developer_mojang_officially_owned_microsoft_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">$2.5 billion</span></a> took everyone by surprise and caused some debate as to whether or not the purchase was <a title="MPC Minecraft purchase debate" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/maximum_debate_microsoft%E2%80%99s_25_billion_minecraft_acquisition_worth_it_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">worth it for Microsoft</span></a>. However, the surprise doesn’t stop there as a new game has been announced. <span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Mojang has revealed that Telltale Games is developing Minecraft: Story Mode</strong></span> in collaboration with the Swedish developer and members of the Minecraft community.</p>
<p>Minecraft: Story Mode is going to be a narrative-driven game that will be an episodic series similar to Telltale Games’ other titles such as The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us. As to how the community will help with the game, <a title="Mojang website" href="https://mojang.com/announcing-minecraft-story-mode/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Mojang</span></a> didn’t expand on their role except that they will help it be as “Minecrafty as possible.”</p>
<p>"Set in the world of Minecraft, the series will feature an original story, driven by player choice," stated Telltale Games on its <a title="Telltale Games website" href="http://www.telltalegames.com/blog/categories/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">website</span></a>. "It will not be an add-on for Minecraft, but rather a separate stand-alone product that will premiere in 2015 on consoles, computers and mobile devices."</p>
<p>Mojang confirmed that Minecraft: Story Mode will not be an official story and didn’t provide any further details about the world of Minecraft.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What do you think about an episodic Minecraft game being developed by Telltale Games? Let us know in the comments section!</p>
<p><em>Follow Sean on&nbsp;<a title="SeanDKnight Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/+SeanKnightD?rel=author" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Google+</span></a>, <a title="SeanDKnight's Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/SeanDKnight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Twitter</span></a>, and <a title="SeanDKnight Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/seandknight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Facebook</span></a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/mojang_announces_minecraft_story_mode_telltale_games_2014#commentsepisodic gameminecraftMinecraft Story ModeMojangTelltale GamesGamingNewsThu, 18 Dec 2014 22:01:38 +0000Sean D Knight29118 at http://www.maximumpc.comMinecraft Developer Mojang Officially Owned by Microsofthttp://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_developer_mojang_officially_owned_microsoft_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u166440/minecraft_001.jpg" alt="Minecraft" title="Minecraft" width="200" height="120" style="float: right;" />Welcome to the Microsoft fold Mojang</h3>
<p>Whether you thought it was a great deal or not, <strong>Microsoft has announced that its acquisition of Minecraft developer Mojang is now official</strong>. Back in September, it was announced that Microsoft would purchase Mojang for <a title="Microsoft Mojang Deal" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/its_official_microsoft_agrees_acquire_minecraft_maker_mojang_25_billion_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">$2.5 billion</span></a>. A decision that generated some discussions as to <a title="Maximum Debate" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/maximum_debate_microsoft%E2%80%99s_25_billion_minecraft_acquisition_worth_it_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">whether or not this was a good deal</span></a> for Microsoft.</p>
<p>&nbsp;“It’s official, today we welcome Mojang to the Microsoft Studios family, “said Microsoft head of Xbox Phil Spencer on his <a title="Phil Spencer Twitter account" href="https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/530368089418784768" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Twitter account</span></a>. “We’re excited for the possibilities ahead w/the Minecraft community.”</p>
<p>No sooner was the deal first announced several months back when it was revealed that there was already a version of <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_beginners_guide_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Minecraft</span></a> for the <a title="Minecraft for Windows Phones" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/effort_port_minecraft_windows_phone_already_underway877" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Windows Phones</span></a> being developed. However, following the acquisition announcement, many consumers were concerned that Microsoft owning the popular IP could lead to a discontinuation of support for its various versions on competing platforms. A concern Spencer addressed at the time by saying, “Minecraft is one of the most popular franchises of all time. W are going to maintain Minecraft and its community in all the ways people love today, with a commitment to nurture and grow it long into the future.”</p>
<p>However, while Microsoft is acquiring the company, the game’s creator Markus “Notch” Persson,” along with two co-founders of Mojang, are leaving. According to his&nbsp;<a title="Notch blog post" href="http://notch.net/2014/09/im-leaving-mojang/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">blog post</span></a>, Notch explained, “It’s not about the money. It’s about my sanity.”</p>
<p>Mojang now joins the list of Microsoft’s internal studios which includes 343 Industries, Black Tusk Studios, and Rare. At last count, Minecraft has sold around 54 million units across total across the &nbsp;Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Andoid, iOS, and PC platforms.</p>
<p><em>Follow Sean on&nbsp;<a title="SeanDKnight Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/+SeanKnightD?rel=author" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Google+</span></a>, <a title="SeanDKnight's Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/SeanDKnight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Twitter</span></a>, and <a title="SeanDKnight Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/seandknight" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Facebook</span></a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_developer_mojang_officially_owned_microsoft_2014#commentsMarkus Notch PerssonmicrosoftminecraftMojangwindows phonexboxGamingNewsFri, 07 Nov 2014 00:03:19 +0000Sean D Knight28856 at http://www.maximumpc.comMaximum Debate: Is Microsoft’s $2.5 Billion Minecraft Acquisition Worth It?http://www.maximumpc.com/maximum_debate_microsoft%E2%80%99s_25_billion_minecraft_acquisition_worth_it_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u154082/dr_evil_billions.jpg" alt="Dr Evil meme" title="Dr Evil meme" width="250" height="186" style="float: right;" />Jimmy and Sean disagree on whether or not it was wise of Microsoft to purchase Mojang for $2.5 billion</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: normal;">Welcome to Maximum’s inaugural Maximum Debate article, a new opinion column where two Maximum PC editors duke it out over a specific topic. This time around, Online Managing Editor Jimmy Thang and Contributing Editor Sean Knight debate the merits of whether or not it was a good idea for Microsoft to purchase <a title="Minecraft" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_beginners_guide_2014" target="_blank">Minecraft</a> developer Mojang for <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/its_official_microsoft_agrees_acquire_minecraft_maker_mojang_25_billion_2014" target="_blank">$2.5 billion dollars</a>.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: normal;">Read through the debate below and let us know where you stand by voting in our poll at the end of the article or by leaving a comment.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h4>Sean's opening statement:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Minecraft developer Mojang has been the subject of many discussions lately. While the acquisition of Mojang is a good move on Microsoft’s part, the company paying <span style="color: #000000;">$2.5 billion</span> for the developer has surprised everyone. It’s a lot of money for a small developer with one successful game, so far, under its belt. But is Microsoft’s acquisition of Mojang worth it?</p>
<p>I personally think that this deal is definitely worth it for the company. Not only is Minecraft a very popular title, but it has been downloaded 100 million times on the PC and, last we were told, had sold around 54 million units total over the various platforms it is on. It is a juggernaut that has captured the attention of not only older gamers, but the next generation of gamers, &nbsp;and there is no sign of its popularity waning anytime soon.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u166440/minecraft_004.jpg" alt="Minecraft Chickens" title="Minecraft Chickens" width="600" height="353" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Should we be counting our chickens yet?</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Jimmy's opening statement:&nbsp;</strong></h4>
<p>To put how much money 2.5 BILLION dollars into perspective, that’s roughly 2.5x the amount <a title="Amazon buys Twitch" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/amazon_acquires_twitch_rumors_say_acquisition_was_11_billion_2014" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Amazon</span></a> bought the world’s most popular game streaming website Twitch for (which some suggest is also too much). In general, if you were to ask me about all these massive tech buyouts, I’d say it’s unsustainable and is a bubble just waiting to burst, but that’s a different matter.</p>
<p>Off the top of my head, I’d say there’s really only three current gaming franchises that are perhaps worth that pretty penny moving forward: League of Legends, Dota 2, and the World of Warcraft. Like Minecraft, all those aforementioned games have a large player base, but unlike the Mojang-developed title, they are cash cows that consistently bring in revenue via either a monthly subscription or micro-transactions. They are, for the most part, rock solid revenue generators. As Minecraft stands right now, you spend $20-something bucks and you’re all set. I would imagine Microsoft will try to monetize the game further with micro-transactions, but considering that most of the Minecraft audience isn’t used to that business model, an abrupt shift could be off putting and hurt the existing community. Furthermore, how do we know that Minecraft hasn’t hit critical mass and reached saturation? While you could also say that of the other aforementioned games I've mentioned, I’d argue that they’re still safer bets considering they bring in a constant barrage of money via micro-transactions each month from huge user bases. &nbsp;</p>
<p>That’s not to say that Minecraft isn’t a cash cow in its own right. Considering the game has sold 54 million copies to date across all platforms, it’s certainly also in a league of its own. But when you crunch the numbers, there's still a steep hill to climb in making $2.5 billion moving forward.</p>
<p>Considering the game sells for $27 (with the mobile and console versions being significantly cheaper, but we’ll disregard that), total revenue equates to around $1.4 billion in a best-case scenario. This is no small chunk of change, mind you, but that’s still more than $1 billion shy of what Microsoft paid for the developer, and roughly the amount Microsoft had to lay down to resolve that nasty <a title="Red Ring of Death" href="http://news.cnet.com/Microsoft-to-extend-Xbox-360-warranty,-take-1-billion-hit/2100-1014_3-6195058.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">red ring catastrophe</span></a> with the Xbox 360. And again, who’s to say that Minecraft hasn’t already reached critical mass?</p>
<p>I can understand why Microsoft would want Mojang and Minecraft, but in my humble opinion, they should take a lesson on learning how to buy low to sell high.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u166440/minecraft_055.jpg" alt="Minecraft Storm" title="Minecraft Storm" width="600" height="361" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A storm is brewing over this debate</strong></p>
<h4><span style="font-size: 1.17em;">Sean's rebuttal:</span></h4>
<p>Minecraft is far from reaching critical mass. There is still a huge market for it on PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. It’s safe to say that Minecraft has been a cash cow for Mojang as well. In addition to selling the game, there are <a title="LEGO Minecraft sets" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/lego_minecraft_micro_world_available_preorder" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">LEGO Minecraft sets</span></a> and a variety of merchandise such as plushies, hoodies, foam pickaxes, keychains, stickers, cups, caps, and more. On consoles, there are texture packs that are being sold to gamers and even themed-texture packs for games such as Halo. As for mobile devices, the pocket edition is in the Top 10 apps for both Android and iOS devices on a consistent basis. So imagine if Microsoft were to start offering mobile users texture packs for sale?</p>
<p>But Microsoft could take things even further. Just look at its Halo franchise. That franchise has had a webseries, will have a live TV series debuting later this year, and a Halo channel that will be launching soon. A Halo channel dedicated solely to Halo! So I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw something similar with Minecraft from cartoons to, as crazy as it sounds, a movie.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Minecraft may not have a story, but this game is appealing to a ton of kids. Kids who tend to go on YouTube to watch Let’s Play and Minecraft-related videos. That is the target audience Microsoft will, presumedly, focus on. An audience that will continue to grow unless Microsoft screws things up.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also have to look at China, now that Microsoft’s Xbox One has just launched there since the country’s <a title="Console ban lifted in China" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-news/10555370/China-lifts-14-year-ban-on-foreign-games-consoles.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">14-year ban</span></a> on consoles has been lifted. So far, there are only 10 games available for the Xbox One in China and titles such as Halo are not among them due to Chinese regulators being wary of violent games. This means that Minecraft could easily be brought over to the Chinese market.</p>
<p>I also believe that Minecraft is the equivalent of Nintendo’s Mario and LEGOs rolled into one. For many, Mario was the gaming icon for a generation of gamers while LEGO continues to be relevant and profitable because it appeals to the imagination of children. Minecraft is this generation’s Mario and could have the endurance similar of that to the LEGO brand. Microsoft just needs to be smart and continue to cultivate the audience that has grown around Mojang and Minecraft.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u166440/minecraft_002.jpg" alt="Minecraft lake" title="Minecraft lake" width="600" height="352" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Does the deal provide endless possibilities?</strong></p>
<h4>Jimmy's rebuttal:&nbsp;</h4>
<p>While it is debateable whether or not Minecraft has reached critical mass, Mojang did lose its prominent founder <a title="Notch leaves Mojang" href="http://notch.net/2014/09/im-leaving-mojang/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Markus “Notch” Persson</span></a>, which would be akin to the Mario franchise losing Shigeru Miyamoto (game designer behind Mario and Zelda). In other words, it’s a big blow to the franchise. And without Notch’s presence, who’s to say Microsoft won’t screw the franchise up? After all, they turned Rare from the beloved developer of Goldeneye to an average developer making <a title="rare xbox" href="http://www.metacritic.com/search/all/kinect%20sports/results" target="_blank">mediocre Kinect games</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u166440/goldeneye_box.jpg" alt="GoldenEye Box" title="GoldenEye Box" width="333" height="233" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&nbsp;Before Microsoft bought Rare</strong></p>
<p>In regards to your comments about them being able to push Xbox Ones in China, I highly doubt it will have much of an impact unfortunately due to the high amount of piracy that happens there.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u166440/kinect_sports.jpg" alt="Kinect Sports" title="Kinect Sports" width="500" height="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>After Microsoft bought Rare</strong></p>
<p>Moreover, if Minecraft falters, they have no other established IPs to rely on considering Mojang has ever only made one game. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket. When Activision acquired Blizzard, at least they got WoW, StarCraft, and Diablo.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u166440/minecraft_foam_sword.jpg" alt="Minecraft foam sword" title="Minecraft foam sword" width="500" height="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do these swords look like they are worth $2.5 billion to you?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And sure, they can try to make a Minecraft TV show (though I find that a little challenging considering, as you mentioned, there is no story to Minecraft) and they’ll continue to sell Minecraft foam axes and whatnot, but call me skeptical, but I don’t think they’ll be able to sell $2.5 billion worth of it.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>That's what we think anyways, what do you think? Vote in the poll below!</strong></p>
<form action="http://poll.pollcode.com/65138185" method="post">
<div style="background-color: #eeeeee; padding: 2px; width: 175px; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; color: #000000; box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #888;">
<div style="padding:2px 0px 4px 2px;"><strong>Do you think Microsoft purchasing Mojang for $2.5 billion was a good deal?</strong></div>
<p><input id="answer651381851" style="float:left;" name="answer" type="radio" value="1" /><label style="float: left; width: 150px;" for="answer651381851">A) Yes, I think it was a good deal</label><input id="answer651381852" style="float:left;" name="answer" type="radio" value="2" /><label style="float: left; width: 150px;" for="answer651381852">B) No, I don't think it's a good deal</label><br />
<div style="padding:3px;"><input type="submit" value=" Vote " />&nbsp;<input name="view" type="submit" value=" View " /></div>
<div style="font-size:10px">pollcode.com <a href="http://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></div>
</p></div>
</form>
http://www.maximumpc.com/maximum_debate_microsoft%E2%80%99s_25_billion_minecraft_acquisition_worth_it_2014#commentsdebateMarkus Perssonmaximum pc. $2.5 billionmicrosoftMicrosoft acquires MojangminecraftMojangNotchGamingFeaturesFri, 03 Oct 2014 19:25:33 +0000Sean D Knight and Jimmy Thang28655 at http://www.maximumpc.comNo BS Podcast #232: GeForce GTX 980, Haswell-E, Minecraft, and Windows 9http://www.maximumpc.com/no_bs_podcast_232_geforce_gtx_980_haswell-e_minecraft_and_windows_9
<!--paging_filter--><h3>The old format returns to discuss a ton of news</h3>
<p>After speaking with a bunch of hardware insiders over the past few weeks, the <a title="no bs podcast" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/articles/no_bs_podcast" target="_blank">No BS podcast</a> is back to the original swing of things with <strong><a title="maximum pc no bs 232" href="http://dl.maximumpc.com/maxpc_232_20140918.mp3" target="_blank">episode 232</a></strong>. This jam-packed podcast brings the Maximum PC crew together to talk about several important topics which include the recent reveal of <a title="gtx 980 review" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/nvidia_geforce_gtx_980_review2014" target="_blank">Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 980</a>, <a title="haswell e" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/haswell-e_review_2014" target="_blank">Haswell-E</a>, Microsoft’s <a title="microsoft minecraft" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/its_official_microsoft_agrees_acquire_minecraft_maker_mojang_25_billion_2014" target="_blank">$2.5 billion Minecraft acquisition</a>, <a title="windows 9" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/microsoft_schedules_windows_9_event_september_30_2014" target="_blank">Windows 9</a>, and <a title="5k" href="http://www.maximumpc.com/dells_5k_monitor_pre_reviewed_2014" target="_blank">5K</a> monitors.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qqM_jrwFnxw?list=UUdLWXfNqKICJBpE8jVMm6_w" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Update:</strong> <a title="iphone 6" href="http://www.cultofmac.com/288151/bigger-iphone-6-ultimate-fulfilment-steve-jobss-vision/" target="_blank">Here</a> is that Apple article Gordon was ranting about at the end if you're interested.</p>
<p><a title="Download Maximum PC Podcast #232 MP3" href="http://dl.maximumpc.com/maxpc_232_20140918.mp3" target="_blank"><img src="/files/u160416/rss-audiomp3.png" width="80" height="15" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Maximum PC Podcast RSS Feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/maximumpc/1337" target="_blank"><img src="/files/u160416/chicklet_rss-2_0.png" width="80" height="15" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/maximum-pc-no-bs-podcast/id213247824"><img src="/files/u160416/chicklet_itunes.gif" alt="Subscribe to Maximum PC Podcast on iTunes" title="Subscribe to Maximum PC Podcast on iTunes" width="80" height="15" /></a></p>
<h4 style="margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; letter-spacing: -0.05em; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; color: #990000;">Subscribe to the magazine for only 99 cents an issue:</h4>
<h5><a title="Subscribe to Maximum PC Magazine" href="https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/IM/MAX/MAX_subscriptionpage.jsp?cds_page_id=63027" target="_blank">In print</a></h5>
<h5><a title="Subcribe to Maximum PC Magazine on Zinio" href="https://www.zinio.com/checkout/publisher/?productId=500663614" target="_blank">On Zinio</a></h5>
<h5><a title="Subscribe to Maximum PC Magazine on Google Play" href="https://play.google.com/store/newsstand/details/Maximum_PC?id=CAoww6lU&amp;hl=en" target="_blank">On Google Play</a></h5>
<h5><a title="Subcribe to Maximum PC Magazine on iTunes" href="http://goo.gl/UIkW4" target="_blank">On iTunes</a></h5>
<h5><a title="Subscribe to Maximum PC Magazine on Amazon Kindle" href="http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-PC/dp/B005XD5144/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1406326197">On the Amazon Kindle Store</a></h5>
<h5><a title="Subcribe to Maximum PC Magazine on Your Nook" href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maximum-pc-future-us-future-publishing/1119741259" target="_blank">On the Barnes &amp; Noble Nook Store</a></h5>
<h4 style="margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; letter-spacing: -0.05em; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; color: #990000;">Stalk us in a number of ways:</h4>
<p>Become a fan&nbsp;<a title="Maximum PC Facebook page" href="https://www.facebook.com/maximumpc" target="_blank">on Facebook</a></p>
<p>Follow us&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/maximumpc" target="_blank">on Twitter</a></p>
<p>Subscribe to us&nbsp;<a title="Maximum PC Youtube page" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MaximumPCMag" target="_blank">on Youtube</a></p>
<p>Subscribe&nbsp;<a title="Maximum PC RSS Feed" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/maximumpc/1337">to our RSS feed</a></p>
<p>Subscribe&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/maximum-pc-no-bs-podcast/id213247824" target="_blank">to the podcast on iTunes</a></p>
<p>email us at:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maximumpcpodcast@gmail.com">maximumpcpodcast AT gmail DOT com</a></p>
<p>Leave us a voicemail at 877-404-1337 x1337</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/no_bs_podcast_232_geforce_gtx_980_haswell-e_minecraft_and_windows_9#comments232geforce gtx 980haswell emaximum pcmicrosftminecraftNo BS Podcastwindows 9NewsNo BS PodcastMon, 22 Sep 2014 17:31:37 +0000The Maximum PC Staff28560 at http://www.maximumpc.comIt's Official: Microsoft Agrees to Acquire Minecraft Maker Mojang for $2.5 Billionhttp://www.maximumpc.com/its_official_microsoft_agrees_acquire_minecraft_maker_mojang_25_billion_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u69/minecraft_0.jpg" alt="Minecraft" title="Minecraft" width="228" height="215" style="float: right;" />Might we finally see Minecraft make its way to Windows Phone?</h3>
<p>When it comes to billion dollar acquisitions, secrets are hard to hold onto. Hence the rumors heading into the weekend that Microsoft was close to announcing a deal for Mojang, the developer responsible for the wildly popular Minecraft title. So, it should come as no surprise that <strong>Microsoft today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Mojang for a cool $2.5 billion</strong>.</p>
<p>The Mojang team will be integrated into Microsoft Studios where they will continue to work on Minecraft. Combined with Microsoft's investments in cloud and mobile technologies, the Redmond outfit says Minecraft players will ultimately benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect across the Minecraft community.</p>
<p>"Gaming is a top activity spanning devices, from PCs and consoles to tablets and mobile, with billions of hours spent each year," <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2014/sept14/09-15news.aspx" target="_blank">said Satya Nadella</a>, CEO, Microsoft. "Minecraft is more than a great game franchise – it is an open world platform, driven by a vibrant community we care deeply about, and rich with new opportunities for that community and for Microsoft."</p>
<p>Microsoft's press release talks about Minecraft being one of the most popular games in history -- it has 100 million downloads on the PC alone, is the most popular online game on Xbox, and is the top paid app for iOS and Android. Noticeably absent, however, is any mention of porting Minecraft to Windows Phone, one of the few places it doesn't yet exist.</p>
<p>"Microsoft plans to continue to make Minecraft available across all the platforms on which it is available today: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox, and PlayStation," Microsoft said.</p>
<p><em>Follow Paul on <a href="https://plus.google.com/+PaulLilly?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/paul_b_lilly" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Paul.B.Lilly" target="_blank">Facebook</a></em></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/its_official_microsoft_agrees_acquire_minecraft_maker_mojang_25_billion_2014#commentsacquisitionmicrosoftminecraftMojangNewsMon, 15 Sep 2014 15:48:35 +0000Paul Lilly28537 at http://www.maximumpc.comReport: Microsoft Could Announce $2.5 Billion Acquisition of Minecraft Studio Mondayhttp://www.maximumpc.com/report_microsoft_could_announce_25_billion_acquisition_minecraft_studio_monday328
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="http://www.maximumpc.com/files/u160391/minecraft.jpg" alt="Minecraft" title="Minecraft" width="228" height="137" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>Talks reportedly initiated by Minecraft creator Markus Persson</h3>
<p><strong>Microsoft’s rumored acquisition of Sweden-based Minecraft developer Mojang could be worth as much as $2.5 billion</strong>, according to a <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/12/us-mojang-microsoft-idUSKBN0H72EV20140912" target="_blank">Reuters</a> report published Friday. This is considerably higher than the $2 billion figure reported by the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-near-deal-to-buy-minecraft-1410300213" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>, which was the first news outlet to claim that such a deal was in the works when it published a report, citing “a person with knowledge of the matter,” on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The two outlets may differ on the total value of the rumored deal but both seem to be in agreement when it comes to its imminence. According to Reuters’ source, an official announcement of the $2.5 billion deal will come from Microsoft on Monday, September 15, 2014.&nbsp; Meanwhile, people are busy speculating about the possible reasons behind the reportedly imminent deal, which is rumored to have been <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html" target="_blank">initiated by Mojang owner Markus Persson.</a></p>
<p>Interestingly, despite being available on every major gaming platform under the sun — from the PC to mobile OSes like Android and iOS — the hugely popular game is not yet available on Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform. Could this rumored deal be nothing but an expensive way of bringing Minecraft to Windows Phone? Frankly, we don’t know. What we do know for sure is that Minecraft is a wonderful game and, if you haven’t already, you should give it a try. Here’s our <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_beginners_guide_2014" target="_blank">Minecraft Beginner's Guide</a> to get you started.</p>
<p>Follow Pulkit on <a href="https://plus.google.com/107395408525066230351?rel=author" target="_blank">Google+</a></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/report_microsoft_could_announce_25_billion_acquisition_minecraft_studio_monday328#commentsacquisitionGamingMarkus PerssonmicrosoftminecraftMojangrumorwindows phoneNewsMon, 15 Sep 2014 05:05:22 +0000Pulkit Chandna28533 at http://www.maximumpc.comMinecraft Beginner's Guidehttp://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_beginners_guide_2014
<!--paging_filter--><h3><img src="/files/u160391/minecraft.jpg" alt="Minecraft" title="Minecraft" width="250" height="150" style="float: right;" /></h3>
<h3>How to get into Minecraft</h3>
<p>Minecraft is a veritable juggernaut in the PC gaming world, with a bustling mod community, dedicated Let's Play streamers, and hundreds of variations on play to keep things fresh. Nearly everywhere you go, even in department stores, you see the gaping mouths of Creepers, blank stares of Steve heads, and even diamond pickaxe styluses.</p>
<p>It's a phenomenon that's only picking up steam, so what better time than now to get your hands dirty in the wide world of Minecraft? Whether you've been digging up informational videos here and there and have a basic understanding of the world or you've never even survived your first night, we're here to help you out. Grab a shovel, your best avatar skin, and let's get started.</p>
<p><strong> 1. Getting Minecraft </strong></p>
<p>The first step, of course, is procuring a copy of the game. You can purchase a copy at the official website (<a title="minecraft.net" href="https://minecraft.net/" target="_blank">minecraft.net</a>) for $26.95 or you can pick up a game card at the store for the same amount. You can also purchase gift codes from the website as well, just in case you happen to need a mining buddy. Registering for an account is free, and if you'd simply like to test the waters, there is a <a title="minecraft demo" href="https://minecraft.net/demo" target="_blank">Minecraft demo</a> available for trial purposes.</p>
<p><strong> 2. Getting Acquainted</strong> </p>
<p>Once you've gotten everything installed and customized to your liking, it's time to get started. Choose the single player button to create your very first world. It will be a completely randomized spawn, so you will be working with the luck of the draw. Choose Create New World and you'll be prompted to name your new stomping grounds. If you can't come up with any inventive names, don't worry. You can always alter it later. After creating a world, you’ll need to choose a game mode.</p>
<p><strong>Game Modes </strong></p>
<p><strong>Survival:</strong> Minecraft players usually flock to this game mode, usually viewed as the "standard" version. Monsters will attack you at night, and you must create shelter, find sustenance, and craft items to stay alive. You will likely die, but if you do, you simply respawn. You can choose between difficulties within Survival Mode as well.</p>
<p><strong>Creative:</strong> If you're enamored with the ornate and elaborate creations you see time and time again in the Minecraft community, then Creative mode is for you. Think of it as a safe "sandbox" with unlimited resources, building materials, and no survival elements to get in the way of your genius.</p>
<p><strong>Hardcore:</strong> If you're reading this guide, chances are you won't want to choose this challenging game mode. It's aimed at experienced miners and those looking to sharpen their "pro skills." If you die, everything will be lost. Think carefully before choosing this mode, as it may be more than you bargained for.</p>
<p>After you've chosen a game type, click Create New World and your very first Minecraft kingdom will be generated.</p>
<p><strong> 3. The Basics </strong></p>
<p>Depending on what was randomly generated for your world, you'll now find yourself smack dab in the middle of verdant greenery, a beachside scene, a desert, or even snow-capped mountains. This terrain is now yours to begin cultivating as you see fit. It's the start of a brand new day, and a cycle that you will want to become acquainted with. Each day cycle lasts ten minutes, so it's prudent to remember to complete important tasks during the day, since monsters roam the countryside at night.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u154082/minecraft_ui.png" alt="minecraft UI" title="minecraft UI" width="620" height="342" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The basic Minecraft UI</strong></p>
<p>Let's take a look at the user interface quickly before advancing. The bottom of the screen with the boxes is a quick look at your inventory. You start off with nothing, but once you pick something up, your inventory boxes start to fill up quickly. Above the boxes are hearts to the left and what look like delicious pieces of meat. The hearts represent your HP, and the meat on the right is your hunger meter. Periodically you must eat in order to keep yourself full, or you will start to lose hearts. When your hearts reach zero, you'll die. When your hunger is low, you may not sprint, either.</p>
<p>Additional bars you may see when playing include the armor bar, which will appear above your health meter. This displays the integrity of the armor you have equipped. You may note a bar that looks akin to the progress bar in any standard RPG. That's your experience level, displaying your progress toward the next level. You earn experience by collecting glowing green orbs that are dropped when you kill something.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb/GamesRadar/us/Games/M/Minecraft/Everything%20else/Beginners%20guide/Minecraft%204%20-%20inventory%20and%20wood%20block--article_image.jpg" alt="minecraft inventory" title="minecraft inventory" width="542" height="516" /></p>
<p>You can open your full inventory screen by pressing E. When your toolbar is full, you can go here to see what else you have in your possession. The toolbar can be seen in the grid have as well, and for quick access you can click and drag from here. To the left of your character are slots for armor that you will want to equip later on in the game.</p>
<p>The crafting area (2 x 2 squares) is for quick crafting. You can slot raw materials here to create specific items. Organizing your items from the inventory is simple. Use the left mouse button to pick up and rearrange the entire number of items. Drag it over to another slot to move. Double-click to collect items into one stack. Alternatively, you can use the right mouse button to pick up half of a group of items, place one from the group into an empty slot, and hold and drag to place the items across multiple slots.</p>
<p>By now you should have a clearer picture of the user interface and how specific parts of the game work. It's time to use the daylight to our advantage!</p>
<p><strong> 4. Survive the Night! </strong></p>
<p>The night is dark and full of terrors. Melisandre had something there. She must have been referring to Minecraft, because the baddies all come out at nightfall. You could technically just dig a hole and cover yourself with it, but our method will end up being much more convenient and helpful. We have 10 minutes to gather resources and create some sort of makeshift shelter, so let's make the most of it.</p>
<p>Start by looking around for trees. Trees can be "punched" using your fist and will break down into wood blocks. Just hold down the mouse button and punch away until a block of wood topples down. Keep doing this and repeat with several other trees for a quick score of wood. Keeping 5-10 blocks of wood will be more than enough for our crafting purposes. Once you've collected wood, you can chop with that same piece of wood. While punching trees, keep a lookout for sheep as well. You'll need them for wool, so any you find wandering the landscape will need to die a swift death.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MmB9b5njVbA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Once you've topped up your wood supply, it's time to start crafting. Crafting is integral to survival, so it's best to get started learning it. Go into your inventory screen and choose the entire stack of wood blocks you gathered earlier. Drag it to the crafting area in your inventory. You'll see a new image appear in the box beside those four. These are wooden planks, and they're important building blocks for other equipment you'll need in the future. Right now we need to build a crafting table to make more advanced objects. Take four wooden planks and arrange them in the corresponding blocks here in the crafting area. Ta-da! You now have a crafting table.</p>
<p>Go ahead and set the crafting table in your toolbar, then close the inventory and select it. The crafting table will appear and you'll see a 3x3 square in which you can place materials. Take two planks and place them on top of the other. This will create wooden sticks. Once you have a series of planks and sticks, arrange three planks in the top three squares of the crafting table. Place two sticks stacked vertically beneath the middle planks.</p>
<p>Congratulations! You've just created your very first tool. You can use the wooden pickaxe to accomplish a number of things like digging, chopping, and killing creatures. Once equipped with a pickaxe, you can chop down more trees for more supplies. It's always a good idea to carry more than you need, especially when you don't know what you might be facing up against.</p>
<p>Once you've got your tools and some extra supplies squared away, it'll be time to start looking for a suitable location to stay for the night. While searching for a good place to camp, keep in mind that you shouldn't wander too far from landmarks you recognize or far from your original spawn point. While exploring, it can be prudent to keep an eye on your surroundings, leaving a breadcrumb trail of blocks if you need to.</p>
<p>We're going to scout out a place to build your own happy little home. Look out for a nice hill or cliff you can carve into. We're going for function over aesthetic value, after all. On your way to finding some prime real estate, be on the lookout for items like coal (black specks on rock), sand, sheep, and more trees for wood. Collect as much as you can, as these items will prove quite beneficial in the long run.</p>
<p>When you've settled on a suitable location, start digging with your pickaxe. Leave a space for a door and enough room inside to set up your crafting table. Opening your crafting table up after setting it up in the new pad, you'll want to make some torches. Torches are extremely important. The light will keep monsters at bay and shine into the darker areas you find yourself in, like the mines you will eventually create. Place torches all around your room, and revel in the brightness of the sanctuary you've created. Neat!</p>
<p>Now you need a door to keep the nasties out. Use six wooden planks and fill up the first two columns of your crafting table, vertically. You should have a suitable area for your door in your small home, so right click on the floor in the doorway area and place the door. Make sure it's closed, and voila! You're ready to have a fun-filled night at home in your very first Minecraft house. You shouldn't venture out into the dark if you've been slow about gathering your items. If you have some daylight to kill, it's safe to putter about in your home to see what you can accomplish as far as upgrades and augments.</p>
<p>For now, this is the basic setup and enough to get you through the night alone. See, that wasn't so hard, was it?</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/minecraft_beginners_guide_2014#commentsbeginner's guidehow tominecraftMojangnoobpcPC gamingpc versionFeaturesWed, 13 Aug 2014 21:07:00 +0000Brittany Vincent26269 at http://www.maximumpc.comMost Relaxing PC Gameshttp://www.maximumpc.com/relaxing_pc_games_2013
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u154082/audiosurf_620x400.jpg" alt="audiosurf" title="audiosurf" width="250" height="141" style="float: right;" /></p>
<h3>Calm things down with these PC games</h3>
<p>Though gaming is a hobby that holds different meanings for everyone, you can't deny it has a certain cathartic quality about it, especially when it comes to blowing off steam after a particularly hectic day. For some gamers, that means frantically&nbsp;blowing heads off of Nazi zombies, and for others it means exploring pixelated landscapes or managing a fictional city in a stress-free environment. For those looking to unwind with the latter group, we've compiled 15 of the most relaxing PC games we could find. The titles cover a wide variety of genres and interests. So put those chainsaws and shotguns away for a minute and try to relax with these awesome, non-violent games. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Do you have a favorite relaxing game to unwind with? Give us your recommendations in the comments below.</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/relaxing_pc_games_2013#commentsGamingminecraftnonviolentPC gamingrelaxingsimcityTerrariaGamingFeaturesWed, 16 Oct 2013 23:30:22 +0000Brittany Vincent26443 at http://www.maximumpc.comThe Game Boy: Game Endings Aren't Bad – They're Just Misunderstoodhttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/game_boy_game_endings_arent_bad_%E2%80%93_theyre_just_misunderstood
<!--paging_filter--><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u46190/bioshockfinalboss.jpg" width="620" height="349" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p>Hey, remember that whole&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/bioware_concedes_angry_fans_promises_clarified_ending_content_mass_effect_3">Mass Effect 3 ending thing</a>? Mercifully, I don't plan on giving it any further attention beyond that sentence. But it did – in its less oppressively obnoxious moments – give rise to a renewed discussion about videogame endings. The general consensus? It's the point where even the mightiest fall, tumbling from a perch of lofty regard to the turgid depths of disappointment. BioShock, Fallout 3, Knights of The Old Republic II – even the most beloved franchises have proven all-too-capable of heinous back-stabbery at the 11th hour.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And those are only the standouts. Plenty of other series have committed last-second crimes both large and small, so you could be forgiven for thinking we're in the midst of an epidemic fatal specifically to fond memories. Where, after all, is your satisfaction-fueled victory lap? Why, instead, is there an angry mob waiting at the finish line, pitchforks, torches, and voices raised in a howling thunder of angry regret? Why do games seem incapable of producing satisfying endings? That's the question many gamers have been asking themselves, and they've yet to uncover an answer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Perhaps that's because they're asking the wrong question.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Why do so many endings suck?” is a half-formed thought. Yes, we now understand that it probably won't fly with fans if their send off is a closure-free cliffhanger in which the hero and villain stare each other down, banter cryptically, and then clash blades/guns/Pokemon, only to be cut off mid-sentence by a “To be continued. In two years. Maybe. If this one meets publisher expectations for the fiscal quarter.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>But, in grumbling about flops and bellyflops and probably flip-flops, we're missing an incredibly key point: games are – and have <em>already </em>proven to be – capable of incredible endings. Some of the most moving, memorable final moments I've ever encountered – regardless of medium – have come from games, and most of them hedged their bets on particularly potent tools from gaming's bag of tricks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The most basic of these techniques, of course, is the possibility of multiple endings. But that, in itself, isn't really so spectacular. Some of gaming's most interesting finales have emerged from developers' <em>awareness </em>of that potential last-second possibility smorgasbord. Endings, after all, don't have to be opposing forces, locked in an eternal tug-of-war between “good,” “bad,” and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUDcSeUvkOw">Silent Hill 2's dog ending</a> (aka, “best”). What happens when we consider these things frayed ends of the same rope?&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's where we get endings like those in Bastion and indie survival-horror hit Lone Survivor. I've already discussed Bastion <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/game_boy_why_bastion_succeeds_where_most_games_fail_miserably">at (possibly excessive) length</a>, but in both cases, there are multiple equally valid endings, each feeding into and informing the others. The full picture only becomes clear when you've assembled jigsaw pieces from both sides of the story.&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u46190/lonesurvivor.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p>
<p><a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/209830/">Lone Survivor</a>, especially, uses that necessary repetition to amazing effect in conjunction with gaming's most obvious end-of-the-line exclamation point: the player's experience of actually, you know, <em>playing the game</em>. <strong>(WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.)</strong> At first, I approached the game like I would any other zombie apocalypse fight-or-flight-in-fright situation: Did it move? Shoot it. Did it then say, “Wait, stop shooting me”? Shoot it again anyway. Did it follow with “I'm still alive, somewhat miraculously, and am willing to forgive you – possibly because of blood-loss-related delirium”? Hm, that's a toughie. Flip a coin. Heads: shoot. Tails: flip another coin. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>And it was miserable. My masked avatar's body was as beaten and broken as his incredibly fragile mind. Meanwhile, progressing became incredibly difficult for me as a player. Ammo was in short supply, as were food and drink (yes, it's a survival-horror game with actual <em>survival</em>) and means to get back to my apartment for precious, frequently necessary sleep. I got extremely frustrated, and eventually, I just sort of gave up. I became all at once cynical, despondent, and hopeless.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And my character echoed those feelings. He complained of exhaustion every time he got out of bed. Momentary glances into mirrors were met with laments of “I'm such a mess” or “I don't even recognize myself anymore.” I met a couple other characters who'd somehow avoided the horrific flesh monster mutation that was seeping the nation, but they wanted supplies. How the hell did they expect me to lend them a helping hand when I could barely even take care of myself? Eventually, I managed to make a mad, desperate dash for the game's finish, and I was treated to a confusing hallucination in which my character ultimately took his own life. It was a powerfully fitting final scene, to be sure, but it also felt empty. I felt like I was missing something.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So I tried again. Violence, I decided, would be my last resort. I was patient and methodical – venturing from my apartment only as far as I knew food and stealthier routes would allow. It took time, but my character kept his cool – and so did I. At that point, Lone Survivor ceased to be a game about zombies for me. I became obsessed with keeping this desperately feeble human being happy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And it worked. He became confident and capable. Toward the end, I even had an excess of supplies, so I spread the wealth to characters less fortunate than my own. This time, my ending hallucination featured a couple of the same pieces of key imagery and some incredibly similar lines, but the context, mood, and end result were entirely different. One ending, then, was not complete without the other. But neither would've been nearly so powerful if I hadn't sat side-by-side with my character on that irritating, amazing emotional rollercoaster. <strong>(END SPOILERS.)</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="/files/u46190/minecraftsunset.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></strong></p>
<p>Elsewhere, on gaming's less traditional fringes, we find a coin with two incredibly disparate sides: 1) endings that only occur <em>precisely</em> when the player's ready and 2) endings that give the player no control whatsoever. The former happens all the time – though admittedly in all sorts very different forms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you've ever unsubscribed from an MMO, for instance, that's about as close to a final act as you're liable to get without a post-credit scene where Samuel L. Jackson asks you to join The Avengers. I mean, when I quit World of Warcraft after years of play to focus on college, I bid farewell to a place, group of people, and portion of my life I'd really come to love. It signaled an end to far more than a simple piece of escapist entertainment for me. Honestly, at that point in my life, it was one of the more intensely personal things I'd ever done.</p>
<p>On a somewhat similar note, I highly recommend that you read the final entry in Brendan Keogh's <a href="http://towardsdawns.blogspot.com/2012/03/day-fifty-eight-and-onwards.html">Toward Dawn Minecraft blog series</a>. After spending more than a year chronicling his adventures in a single Minecraft world, Keogh decided to hang up his pick axe and settle down once and for all. I won't butcher the piece (which, again, I can't recommend enough) here, but the point remains the same: when we find games that really resonate with us on a personal level, they have a way of lingering – clinging to our skin and hair and the undersides of our fingernails until we scrub them away, only to feel oddly naked without them. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The latter of the previous two categories, meanwhile, is still pretty small, but experimental darlings <a href="http://hcsoftware.sourceforge.net/passage/">Passage</a> and <a href="http://tale-of-tales.com/TheGraveyard/">The Graveyard</a> both focus on death by natural causes. In doing so, both make interesting (if short-lived and minimalistic) points about mortality and the frail nature of relationships, but imagine if that limit were applied to something slightly more robust. Shooter, adventure, MMO, something entirely new – it doesn't matter. In each case, every second would count. Tick-tock-tick-tock. Death's right around the corner.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Games have taught us to treat death as a minor setback, so what happens when it's a foregone conclusion – or rather, the forgone conclusion? Decisions can't be taken back. How do you spend the minutes, hours, months, or even years until your character wastes away? Do you seek out unlimited power, weave your social threads into a comforting social sweater, or explore until your heart's content/has an attack? Do you try to do everything?</p>
<p>I guess what I'm saying is, do you waste your time on web forums complaining about crappy videogame endings? Or do you cherish the great ones and marvel at how lucky you were to get the chance to experience them?</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/game_boy_game_endings_arent_bad_%E2%80%93_theyre_just_misunderstood#commentsBastioncolumnsGamingLone SurvivorMass Effect 3minecraftThe Game Boyworld of warcraftGamingThe Game BoyColumnsWeb ExclusiveThu, 10 May 2012 19:39:51 +0000Nathan Grayson23304 at http://www.maximumpc.comEA Unleashes the Wrath of the Indieshttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/ea_unleashes_wrath_indies
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u46173/evilea.jpg" alt="Evil EA" width="228" height="121" style="float: right;" />In 1697 William Congreve coined the phrase, “Hell has no fury like a woman scorned”, though in 2012 its starting to look like “indie” might also be an acceptable substitution. The controversy surrounds EA’s use of the words<a href="http://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/sh/11be487d-fd37-401b-b34a-9e2772950d98/f71b861f3e39309314c6922b45faba1b"> “indie bundle”</a> in their most recent Steam sale, and real indies have been lashing out at the company from every angle.</p>
<p>The most outspoken, as usual, is Markus Persson (AKA Notch), the creator of Minecraft. "EA releases an 'indie bundle'? That's not how that works, EA. Stop attempting to ruin everything, you bunch of cynical bastards.", <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/notch/status/197991770817167360">he tweeted</a>. “Indies are saving gaming. EA is methodically destroying it”.</p>
<p>EA has defended its use of the term by claiming that the studios listed in the indie bundle used them as little more than a publisher, and remain independent development houses. Is all this rage justified? Or is this just a side effect of them now being the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/04/09/why-ea-won-the-worst-company-in-america-award/">most hated company in America?</a></p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/ea_unleashes_wrath_indies#commentscontroversyEAGamingindieminecraftNotchNewsSun, 06 May 2012 18:35:42 +0000Justin Kerr23270 at http://www.maximumpc.comLego Minecraft Micro World Available For Preorderhttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/lego_minecraft_micro_world_available_preorder
<!--paging_filter--><p>Can you tell we're pumped about Minecraft-themed Legos? We've been anxiously following their development, breathlessly reporting when the petition to create the set <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/full_circle_official_minecraft_legos_way">passed the needed 10,000 signature mark</a> -- and when <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/lego_slaps_seal_approval_minecraft-themed_set">the project got the official green light</a>. Lego and Mojang must be pumped about the Minecraft Micro World, too; in less than a month, the set has flown through the design process and is headed to the production line. In fact, Lego started selling preorders for the set yesterday.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u138055/lego_minecraft.png" width="600" height="593" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Just because you're able to <a href="https://www.jinx.com/LEGOMinecraft">preorder the set through Jinx today</a> won't mean Minecraft Micro World will show up on your doorstep tomorrow, though; the $35, 480-piece kit isn't due to ship until the nebulous "summer 2012." How about a description from the product page?</p>
<p><em>Help Steve survive his first night in a strange new world. Avoid the creeper and start mining for resources that will help you survive and thrive. Configure your four micro-scale LEGO Minecraft modules any way you like. Build your own mines and hills, and expand your world with multiple sets. Includes four LEGO Minecraft modules, hidden resources, extra pieces for wood, dirt, and stone, two "Micro Mobs;" Steve and a creeper</em>.</p>
<p>"The surface of the modules comes off to reveal mines and hidden resources beneath," the Lego CUUSOO team said on its blog. Check out <a href="http://legocuusoo.posterous.com/announcing-lego-minecraft-micro-world-the-thi">the blog post</a> for more details about the design process, or just drool over the picture above like we did.</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/lego_minecraft_micro_world_available_preorder#commentscoolGaminglegominecraftpreorderNewsThu, 16 Feb 2012 18:45:20 +0000Brad Chacos22723 at http://www.maximumpc.comPsychonauts 2 May Finally Get Funding... From the Creator of Minecrafthttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/psychonauts_2_may_finally_get_funding_creator_minecraft
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u46190/psychonauts2.jpg" width="228" height="131" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right;" /></p>
<p>In videogames, anything can happen. And outside them, well, apparently the same rule applies. It all started when Tim Schafer&nbsp;<a href="http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a363781/psychonauts-2-pitched-several-times-says-tim-schafer.html">lamented</a>&nbsp;that he's “actually pitched [Psychonauts 2] to publishers several times and no-one has taken the bait so far." Sounds like the end of the line for the brain-bending, mind-invading cult hit, right? Not if Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson has anything to say about it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And things to say about it he does... have. Like these ones, for instance:&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Let's make Psychonauts 2 happen,” he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/notch/status/166838426207924224">tweeted at Schafer</a>. "I'm serious.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, in a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-07-doublefine-tim-and-markus-are-talking-about-psychonauts-2">statement to Eurogamer</a>, Double Fine gave its official (and extremely encouraging) response: "Tim and Markus are talking. Who knows what might happen?" So both parties are interested, and talks are under way. We, meanwhile, are prepared to buy every copy of the game ever printed and live in a house made of Psychonauts 2. We feel like that's how Notch -- looking down from atop his block-by-block empire -- would want it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/psychonauts_2_may_finally_get_funding_creator_minecraft#commentsDouble FineGamingminecraftMojangnewsPsychonauts 2GamingNewsWed, 08 Feb 2012 12:39:47 +0000Nathan Grayson22599 at http://www.maximumpc.comLEGO Slaps Seal Of Approval On Minecraft-Themed Sethttp://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/lego_slaps_seal_approval_minecraft-themed_set
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u138055/legominecraft.jpg" width="228" height="175" style="float: right;" />It doesn't take a genius to figure out why Mojang struck gold with Minecraft: it's basically a grown-up version of Legos, only with virtual blocks instead of real ones. And zombies. Prepare for the line between children's toys and grown-up games to get even blurrier in the coming months. <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/gaming/full_circle_official_minecraft_legos_way">After a petition for a Minecraft-themed Lego set</a> garnered over 10,000 e-signatures, Lego considered the prospect in an official review. As of yesterday, Minecraft Legos are officially a go. </p>
<p>"We're happy to announce that the Minecraft project on LEGO CUUSOO has passed the LEGO review and we are now developing a concept that celebrates the best aspects of building with the LEGO system and in Minecraft," <a href="http://legocuusoo.posterous.com/minecraft-lego-cuusoo-project-passes-lego-rev-54968">the Lego team announced on its community blog</a>. "We can’t wait to show it to you—but it isn't ready just yet. These things take time, so we appreciate your patience. More details are to come."</p>
<p>Hopefully there are little Lego Minecraft zombies! Once Minecraft Legos hit the street, Mojang has promised that its 1 percent royalty will go to charity.</p>
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/lego_slaps_seal_approval_minecraft-themed_set#commentscoolGaminglegominecraftmojannewstoyNewsWed, 25 Jan 2012 17:50:42 +0000Brad Chacos22411 at http://www.maximumpc.com